3D-printed concrete canoe: 2018 project
The 2018 Concrete Canoe was one of Vertico's first projects as a 3D concrete printing company. This early experiment combined design, engineering and digital fabrication in an unusual format: a working canoe made with sand molds and 3D printed components.
From concept to competition
The project ran from the first design sketches through structural calculations, programming and printing to a final float test. Each phase was a hands-on test of concrete as a material and digital fabrication as a process.
It ended with the canoe competing in a real canoe race. That showed the strength of the material and that 3D printed designs can hold up in demanding, real-world conditions. Watch the BetonKanoRace 2018 aftermovie to see it on the water.
A milestone for later work
Though playful, the canoe laid groundwork for later structural applications. It showed that 3D concrete printing can be adaptable and precise, and can produce strong, lightweight components as well as static architecture.
The team built on these lessons in the 2019 concrete canoe. Student and university projects like this are central to our work in education.
Follow the journey
The gallery below follows the canoe from creation to competition and beyond.
Dive Into the new era of design with Vertico
Discover Vertico's state-of-the-art concrete 3D printing solutions that turn visionary ideas into reality.
